City Break Šiauliai: A 3-Day Guide to the City of the Sun (2026)

Šiauliai is a city that doesn't just ask for your attention; it quietly earns it. Known locally as the "City of the Sun" because of its name's similarity to the Lithuanian word for sun ("Saulė"), it is the fourth largest city in the country but feels surprisingly intimate. It sits in the north of Lithuania, a region of flat plains and deep forests, acting as a cultural guardian for the Samogitia region. While it might not have the baroque grandeur of Vilnius or the coastal breeze of Klaipėda, Šiauliai has a distinct, industrious charm that makes you feel instantly grounded.

The atmosphere here is a blend of Soviet-era resilience and modern European optimism. The city centre is dominated by a long, pedestrianised boulevard that acts as the community's living room. Here, students from the local university mix with elderly locals, cafes spill onto the pavement and public art is everywhere. From splashing fountains to quirky metal sculptures, the streets feel like an open-air gallery. It is a place where you can taste chocolate made in a factory that has survived wars, walk along the shores of a tranquil lake guarded by a giant iron fox and stand on a hill that is perhaps the most powerful symbol of faith in the Baltics.

A powerful sea of crosses standing watch over history near Šiauliai.

If you are seeking a city break Europe offers that is truly off the beaten path, incredibly affordable and deeply moving, a trip Šiauliai is a fantastic choice. This expert-crafted 3 days in Šiauliai itinerary is designed to show you the heart of Northern Lithuania. We will explore the legendary Hill of Crosses, dive into the sweet history of the Rūta factory and relax in a spa hotel that feels like home. It is the definitive Šiauliai travel guide for planning your journey, detailing exactly what to do in Šiauliai during your unforgettable Šiauliai weekend itinerary.

Day 1: The Golden Boy and The Iron Fox

Day one is about getting to know the lay of the land. We will walk the famous pedestrian boulevard, meet the city's metallic guardians and watch the sun go down over the lake.

Morning: The Boulevard Stroll

Start your day on Vilniaus Street, the main pedestrian boulevard. It is one of the oldest in Europe and stretches for over a kilometer. It is lined with shops, cafes and curious sculptures. Keep an eye out for the "Three Birds" fountain and the "Chameleons" sculpture.

Stop at St. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Its white Renaissance tower dominates the skyline and is visible from almost everywhere in the city. The interior is surprisingly bright and airy. Just outside, you will find the Sundial Square (Saulės Laikrodžio Aikštė). In the centre stands a golden statue of a boy archer, known locally as "The Golden Boy". It is the symbol of the city and shines brilliantly when the sun hits it.

Lunch: A Taste of Samogitia

For lunch, stay on the boulevard. Head to Žemaitis (The Samogitian). This restaurant is styled like a traditional country inn with heavy wooden furniture and folk decorations.

You must try Cepelinai. These are massive potato dumplings stuffed with meat, curd or mushrooms, served with a generous dollop of sour cream and bacon bits (spirgučiai). They are heavy, comforting and the national dish of Lithuania. Wash it down with a glass of Gira (kvass), a fermented bread drink that tastes like a mix of cola and beer.

Afternoon: The Iron Fox

Walk down towards Lake Talkša. The lakeshore has been beautifully redeveloped in recent years. Standing guard on the bank is the Iron Fox (Geležinė Lapė).

This massive sculpture is made of thousands of metal plates and weighs nearly 7 tons. It is huge, impressive and slightly intimidating. Walk around it and then take a stroll along the Energy Labyrinth path nearby. It is a great place to clear your head. If you have the energy, rent a pedal boat on the lake to see the fox from the water.

Evening: Modern Dining

For dinner, try something a bit more modern. Leja is a stylish restaurant in the city centre that offers a fusion of European cuisines. The atmosphere is sophisticated but relaxed.

Alternatively, go to Kapitonas Morganas for a more lively pub vibe. They serve great steaks and burgers. It is a popular spot for locals to gather after work, so the atmosphere is always buzzing.

Practical Details: Day 1

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Cathedral Visit	10:00 AM – 10:30 AM	Free	Free	Aušros takas 3
Boulevard Walk	10:30 AM – 12:00 PM	Free	Free	Vilniaus Street
Lunch – Cepelinai	12:30 PM – 01:30 PM	€12.00 avg	£10.20 avg	Žemaitis, Draugystės pr. 25
Iron Fox	02:30 PM – 03:30 PM	Free	Free	Lake Talkša shore
Dinner – Fusion	07:30 PM	€30.00 avg	£25.50 avg	Leja, Vilniaus g. 138
Total Estimated Transport Cost:	Walkable	0	0	City centre is compact

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.85 for planning purposes.

Day 2: The Hill of Faith and The House of Chocolate

Day two takes you out of the city to one of the most unique sites in the world, followed by a sweet afternoon back in town.

Morning: The Hill of Crosses

You cannot come to Šiauliai without visiting the Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas). It is located about 12km north of the city. You can take a local bus from the main bus station or a taxi.

This is not a cemetery. It is a place of pilgrimage and resistance. There are estimated to be over 100,000 crosses here, ranging from tiny wooden crucifixes to massive metal masterpieces. During the Soviet era, the authorities bulldozed the hill multiple times, but the locals kept coming back at night to plant more crosses. It is a powerful testament to the Lithuanian spirit. The sound of thousands of rosaries clinking in the wind is something you will never forget.

Lunch: Bistro break

Return to the city for lunch. Presto on the boulevard is a great spot for a lighter meal. They do excellent soups and salads if you are still recovering from the Cepelinai yesterday. Try the Šaltibarščiai (Cold Beet Soup) if it is summer. It is bright pink and served with hot potatoes.

Afternoon: Rūta Chocolate Museum

Šiauliai is the chocolate capital of Lithuania. The Rūta Chocolate Factory has been operating here since 1913. The factory building itself is beautiful, but the highlight is the museum.

The tour takes you through the history of chocolate, from the Mayans to modern times. You can see old wrappers, machinery and even a chocolate room. The best part is the shop attached to the museum. Buy a box of chocolates filled with unexpected ingredients like pollen or cheese.

Evening: Cultural Villa

In the evening, take a walk to the Chaimas Frenkelis Villa. Even if the museum is closed, the grounds are beautiful at twilight. Frenkelis was a wealthy Jewish industrialist who owned a massive leather factory. His villa is a stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture.

For dinner, try Morganas again or explore the smaller cafes on the side streets. The beer culture in Lithuania is strong, so trying a local farmhouse ale is highly recommended.

Practical Details: Day 2

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Hill of Crosses	09:30 AM – 12:00 PM	Free	Free	Jurgaičiai, Meškuičiai Book private tour here
Bus to Hill	Round Trip	€2.00	£1.70	From Bus Station (Platform 12)
Lunch – Soup/Salad	01:00 PM – 02:00 PM	€10.00 avg	£8.50 avg	Presto, Vilniaus g. 134
Chocolate Museum	02:30 PM – 04:00 PM	€5.00	£4.25	Tilžės g. 133
Chocolate Shop	04:00 PM – 04:30 PM	Variable	Variable	Gifts and souvenirs
Dinner – Local	07:30 PM	€25.00 avg	£21.25 avg	City Centre
Total Estimated Transport Cost:	€2.00	£1.70	Bus ticket

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.85 for planning purposes.

Day 3: Cats, Bikes and Villas

Your final day explores the quirky side of the city. We will visit unique museums that celebrate everything from bicycles to felines.

Morning: Frenkelis Villa Interior

Return to the Chaimas Frenkelis Villa to see the inside. The interior has been beautifully restored with wood panelling, ornate ceilings and period furniture. It gives you a glimpse into the wealthy life of pre-war Lithuania. There is also an exhibition on the Jewish history of the city, which is poignant and important.

Lunch: Coffee and Cake

Stop at Valerijonas. This is a historic pharmacy that also has a tea house. They serve healthy vegetarian food and incredible herbal teas. Their acorn coffee is a local speciality that is surprisingly good.

Afternoon: The Cat Museum or Bicycle Museum

You have a choice for your final afternoon depending on your interests.

Option A: The Cat Museum. This is exactly what it sounds like. It was founded by a local animal lover and contains thousands of cat-themed exhibits. There are also "live exhibits" (real cats) roaming around the building. It is quirky, fun and slightly eccentric. The museum also houses a mini-zoo with exotic animals.

Option B: The Bicycle Museum. Šiauliai is the bicycle capital of Lithuania. The Baltik Vairas factory produced millions of bikes during the Soviet era. This museum celebrates the history of cycling with interactive exhibits and vintage models. It is fascinating for anyone interested in engineering or history.

Farewell: The Rooster Clock

Head back to the Square of the Cock Clock (Gaidžio Laikrodžio Aikštė) for your final evening. This is a popular meeting spot. At 12 and 6, the rooster crows.

For your farewell dinner, choose a place with a view or good atmosphere. Cili Pizza is a popular chain if you want something easy, but for a final taste of Lithuania, go back to Žemaitis and try their potato pancakes with salmon.

Practical Details: Day 3

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Frenkelis Villa	10:00 AM – 11:30 AM	€5.00	£4.25	Vilniaus g. 74
Lunch – Valerijonas	12:00 PM – 01:00 PM	€12.00 avg	£10.20 avg	Vilniaus g. 173
Cat Museum	01:30 PM – 03:00 PM	€5.00	£4.25	Žuvininkų g. 18
OR Bicycle Museum	01:30 PM – 03:00 PM	€3.00	£2.55	Vilniaus g. 139
Farewell Dinner	07:00 PM	€25.00 avg	£21.25 avg	City Centre
Total Estimated Transport Cost:	Walkable	0	0	Or short taxi (€3)

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.85 for planning purposes.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Suggestion

For a stay that combines the freedom of an apartment with the luxury of hotel facilities, this place is the hidden gem of the city centre.

Svaja ApartHotel & Spa (Book here)

• Location: Situated at J. Basanavičiaus g. 11A, this hotel is perfectly placed. It is tucked away in a quiet courtyard but is literally minutes from the main pedestrian boulevard and the Square of the Cock Clock. You can walk to the cathedral, the photography museum and the best restaurants without breaking a sweat. It offers the peace of a residential area with the convenience of the city centre.

• Style & Amenities: Svaja (which means "Dream" in Lithuanian) lives up to its name. It is a recently renovated property that feels fresh and modern. The units are apartments, meaning you get your own fully equipped kitchen—perfect if you want to make a quick breakfast before heading out. The decor is clean and Scandinavian, with parquet floors and cozy touches. The real highlight is the wellness area. Guests have access to a sauna and a hot tub, which is the perfect way to warm up after a windy day at the Hill of Crosses. There is also a lovely terrace for sunny mornings.

• Rates: Offering exceptional value for the space and amenities provided, double apartments typically start around €60–€90 (£51–£76) per night. It is an affordable luxury that gives you more space than a standard hotel room.

  
  

Final Section: Tips and Local Insights

Your unique trip Lithuania is planned. Here are essential logistics and local insights to ensure your visit is seamless.

Mastering Transport

• Getting There: Šiauliai is well connected by train. It is on the main line between Vilnius and Klaipėda. The train from Vilnius takes about 2.5 hours and is comfortable and cheap (approx €10–€15).

• Hill of Crosses Bus: To get to the Hill of Crosses, take the bus from the main bus station towards Joniškis. Ask the driver to stop at Domantai. From there, it is a 2km walk (about 20 mins) down a flat road to the hill. It is safe and signposted.

• Walking: The city is very flat and the centre is compact. You will rarely need a taxi, but if you do, use the Bolt app which works perfectly here.

  
  

Currency and Etiquette

• Currency: Lithuania uses the Euro (€).

• Card vs Cash: You can pay with card almost everywhere, including museums and supermarkets. However, keep some coins for the bus to the Hill of Crosses or for small tips.

• Language: Lithuanian is one of the oldest languages in the world. Younger people speak English very well. Older people might speak Russian.

• Weather: The north of Lithuania can be windy. Even in summer, bring a light jacket. In winter, dress warmly as temperatures drop below freezing.

• Amber: You will see amber sold everywhere. If you buy, look for a certificate to ensure it is real Baltic amber and not plastic.

• Safety: Šiauliai is very safe. The city is quiet at night and walking around the centre is fine.

Šiauliai is a city that surprises you. It is not trying to be the biggest or the loudest. It is content being the City of the Sun, shining a light on its own unique history and culture. Gero kelio! (Have a good trip!)